Peggy Jo Russell

Peggy was born on June 25, 1957 in Honolulu Hawaii. Her father was stationed there as a pilot in the Air Force. She joined her older sister Karen and later the family would welcome another girl, Sarah, and then a much anticipated boy-Randy. The family moved every 3 years, but Peggy never minded as it was always a new adventure to her and she always had an adventurous spirit. They eventually settled in Montgomery, Alabama where Peggy lived the majority of her life with the exception of a short time in Utah and a decade or so in Birmingham, Alabama.

Peggy obtained an undergraduate degree from Auburn University at Montgomery and began a long career with the State of Alabama where she held many positions. There were two that she enjoyed the most. The first was at the Chalkville Campus correctional facility for girls of the Alabama Department of Youth Services in Birmingham. The second and last position she held until her retirement was working on the team developing the website for the State of Alabama’s employment service.

She was an excellent student and received the Liberal Arts Student of the Year award while earning her undergraduate degree. She went on to get a Master’s Degree in English, also from Auburn University at Montgomery, while working full time as well. She taught there as an adjunct teacher for the next 10 years while continuing her job with the State. She was not “all work and no play.” In 1995 she was a Braves season ticket holder, driving to Atlanta from Birmingham for the games, and was there on Game 6 when the Braves won the World Series.

Peggy was both intelligent and wise, loved music, movies, and was an avid reader. She was creative and had an active imagination. It’s no wonder that she fell in love with the world of Harry Potter. It was within this community that she met some of her dearest friends. They had wonderful adventures in the UK and California together and spent life with one another for many years. The HPNs were so dear to her and the family is especially thankful for them. Ellen, Matt, and Georgie will always be in our hearts for loving Peggy so abundantly.

She was easy to love. She loved and respected people from all walks of life. It was an extension of her love, respect, and honor for her heavenly Father. She had a great sense of humor and was able to laugh at herself. She was supportive, generous, thoughtful, faithful, and kind. She loved her family and friends deeply and actively. She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd (known by most as Russ) and Betty Jo Russell, her older sister Karen Russell Morris and brother-in-law Hamp Morris, and her younger brother Randy Russell, as well as beloved maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles.

She is remembered by her sister Sarah Russell Sievers, brother-in-law Van Sievers, sister-in-law Rose Russell, nieces Casey Morris and Courtney Morris Wesson, and nephews Russ Sievers and Drew Morris (Elizabeth) as well as great nephews Mathew Wesson and Drewry Morris, great niece Adelaide Morris, cousins in both Louisiana and Arkansas to include Hayden Ellis, Sherry Conner, Bev Harrison, Kelley Rose, and Lisa Crowder.

We would like to thank the loving people at Synergy Home care who helped Peggy when her health began to fail. In particular, we are thankful for John and Brittany, and for Mary and Joyce who gave Peggy not only a caregiver’s services but also a whole lot of love. Joyce was with Peggy most often and their relationship deepened. We will never forget her.

We are also thankful for the compassionate care she received from many at Baptist East hospital. She grew fond of one nurse, Amy, who told us she wished she’d known Peggy before all this; Peggy was making a positive difference in other’s lives until the end.

The family will have a private ceremony when we disperse her ashes in the mountains. Thank you to all those who were so kind to our most beloved sister Peggy. Until we meet again, bsylcm.